Observations about and lessons learned from living life with Labrador retrievers

Wednesday, February 02, 2005

Rest

All three dogs play hard, eat with gusto, and sleep soundly. Most of the time, that is. Once in a while some threatening noise or commotion will rouse them from their slumber (firecrackers, thunder, a knock at the door), but most of the time Baxter, Elsie, and Ridge rest quietly. I suspect that's because they feel safe and secure.

Elsie's face when she's asleep (see photo above) is a picture of serenity. Her peaceful rest reminds me of what my children experienced when they were small. The kids felt safe and secure then. They, too, rested undisturbed.

Dan, Sarah, and Jon (our human children) are grown now, or nearly so. Life brings bumps in the road that rob them of sleep. I suppose that's the way of it. We rest secure in our parents' protections, but we grow up and find our own sources of security and rest. For me, a quiet heart and peaceful slumber come with knowing that, no matter what happens, I'm nestled in the hands of a loving God. The security I find in Him grants me sleep. It's a lesson I've learned after years of experiencing lifes bumps and bruises, but I know it to be true. I hope my children learn that lesson sooner than I.

In the meantime, we can always look at Elsie when she sleeps. Her peace reminds us that we, too, can sleep soundly. If only we'll remember Who holds us in His arms.